Gov. Deal Signs Law Limiting Ga. Lobbyist Spending

ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law new limits on how much money lobbyists can spend while trying to influence public officials in Georgia.

The legislation signed Monday takes effect Jan. 1.

It sets the first limits on what lobbyists can spend. Lobbyists can currently spend as much as they want if they publicly disclose their spending.

Republican lawmakers fought during much of the General Assembly's 40-day annual session over how to limit lobbyist spending.

Deal said the measure will increase public confidence in government officials.

The new law bans lobbyists from spending more than $75 at a time on public officials. But lobbyists can still make multiple expenditures. They can also pay more to hold events where committees or caucuses of lawmakers are invited.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)